Dog Walks in Rutland

Dog Walking in Rutland

Rutland holds the distinction of being England's smallest county, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in quality. Tucked into the East Midlands between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire, this tiny county packs an extraordinary amount of beautiful walking country into its compact borders. At its heart lies Rutland Water, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, and around it unfolds a landscape of rolling limestone hills, honey-coloured villages, and quiet pastoral countryside that feels like a pocket of the Cotswolds transplanted to the Midlands.

For dog owners, Rutland is something close to perfection. The county is small enough that you can reach any corner within twenty minutes of the central town of Oakham, yet it contains enough variety to keep you and your dog exploring for months. The walking is almost universally excellent - well-maintained paths, gentle terrain, stunning views, and a warmth of welcome in pubs and cafes that makes every outing feel like a treat.

Landscape and Terrain

Rutland Water dominates the county's geography. The reservoir stretches for over three miles from east to west, and its shoreline is circled by a 25-mile path that forms the backbone of the county's walking network. The paths around the water are well surfaced, largely flat, and suitable for walking in all seasons. Dogs can paddle and swim at several access points along the shore, making it a favourite destination on warm days.

Beyond the reservoir, Rutland's countryside is characterised by gently rolling hills, hedgerow-lined lanes, and small fields grazed by sheep and cattle. The northern part of the county around Langham and Ashwell offers open, airy walking with views across the Vale of Catmose. To the south, the land rises towards the Welland Valley, where deeper valleys and more wooded terrain provide shelter and variety. The whole county is laced with footpaths, bridleways, and quiet lanes that link its villages together in a network ideally suited to circular walks of two to five miles.

Key Areas for Dog Owners

Rutland Water

The reservoir is the county's premier dog walking destination. The southern shore from Whitwell to Normanton offers the most scenic sections, with views across the water to the hills beyond. Dogs can go off lead on many stretches, though they must be on leads near the nature reserves at the western end where ground-nesting birds are present. The northern shore around Barnsdale is quieter and equally beautiful, with woodland sections adding variety.

Oakham and Surrounds

The county town of Oakham sits at the heart of Rutland and makes the ideal base for exploring. There are several excellent walks within easy reach of the town centre, including routes along Oakham Canal and through the parkland around Burley on the Hill. The town itself has a good selection of dog-friendly pubs and cafes for post-walk refreshments.

Uppingham and the South

Uppingham perches on a hilltop in the south of the county, surrounded by some of Rutland's most attractive countryside. The walks here tend to be hillier, with views across the Welland Valley into Northamptonshire. The limestone villages of Lyddington, Belton-in-Rutland, and Wing are all connected by footpaths that make for delightful circular routes through quintessentially English countryside.

Practical Information

Parking around Rutland Water is managed by Anglian Water and is pay-and-display at the main car parks - Whitwell, Normanton, Barnsdale, and Sykes Lane. Charges are modest but can add up for regular visitors; an annual parking permit is available and represents good value. Elsewhere in the county, parking is generally free in village car parks and on quiet lanes, though spaces can be limited in smaller settlements.

The terrain throughout Rutland is forgiving - no steep climbs, no scrambles, and very few stiles on the main routes. Most paths are accessible year-round, though the grassland sections around the reservoir can become soft after prolonged rain. The exposed shoreline of Rutland Water can be breezy, so a windproof layer is advisable even on mild days.

Livestock are a regular feature of the Rutland countryside. Sheep graze many of the fields crossed by footpaths, particularly between March and September, so dogs must be kept on leads or under very close control when livestock are present. Farmers in the area are generally welcoming to responsible dog walkers.

Dog-Friendly Stops

Rutland punches well above its weight for dog-friendly hospitality. Both Oakham and Uppingham have excellent selections of pubs and cafes that welcome dogs, and many of the village pubs scattered across the county are equally accommodating. The establishments around Rutland Water cater well to walking visitors and their dogs, with outdoor seating, water bowls, and a relaxed attitude to muddy paws.

• Rutland Water - 25-mile shoreline path with swimming spots for dogs
• Compact county easily explored from a single base
• Gentle, accessible terrain suitable for dogs of all ages and abilities
• Beautiful limestone villages connected by well-maintained footpaths
• Excellent dog-friendly pubs and cafes in Oakham and Uppingham
• Quiet, uncrowded countryside even at weekends